The keel for USS Omaha (LCS 12) was authenticated at General Dynamics/AUSTAL USA shipyard during a keel laying ceremony in Mobile, Ala. on Feb. 18. A keel laying ceremony marks a significant production milestone and recognizes the joining of modular components of a ship's hull.

The laying of the keel may be the official beginning of a ship's life, but Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville personnel began work on Omaha several months prior to the keel laying ceremony.

NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville Logistic Management Specialists assigned to SUPSHIP Gulf Coast reviewed contract specifications and Provisioning Technical Documentation packages to determine the correct range and depth of onboard repair parts.

Logisticians also processed the ship's first incremental stock number sequence list which resulted in more than 1,300 MILSTRIP requisitions being generated for Government Furnished Material. These requisitions for both Operating Space Items and Storeroom Items are the beginning of the ships Consolidated Shipboard Allowance List.

Prior to the keel laying ceremony, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville logisticians had already received 22.94 percent of this material in the shipyard. In addition, the Participating Acquisition Manager identified Government Furnished Equipment to be provided to the shipbuilder under the contract, and NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville SUPSHIP Gulf Coast personnel identified integrated logistics deliverables such as technical manuals, planned maintenance systems and training requirements associated with this new equipment.

The delivery of a ship in a high state of supply readiness is an extremely complex process and involves a number of interrelated actions by a variety of participating activities. As a result of NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville logisticians' consistent and steady work throughout new ships construction, logistic support will accurately reflect the configuration of the ship at delivery and keep the operational readiness of the ship even-keeled.

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS is comprised of more than 6,600 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 110 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

NAVSUP GLS is part of NAVSUP's worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing "One-Touch Supply."

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.